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PetKal
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p.2 #1 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Good thread, wrong board.

Should go to "Forum& Misc." board.

Oct 08, 2008 at 04:35 PM

Brent Ward
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p.2 #2 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim Victory wrote:
I have been around here for about 5 years and use to post regularly on the N&W forum but I quit about a year ago. I saw too much praise where praise wasn't deserved and when I tried to give constructive criticisms the person would usually be offended or defensive. Because after all he or she had been getting praise from everyone else.

They are some great photographers on the N&W forum as well as many on other forums. I chose to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to someones photographic ability. I will however respond to an example on the Gear Forum that doesn't support an OP's assertation. Most discussions on the Gear forums are quantitative and based in demonstrative examples to promote a premise.

Jim

Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.

I too am always amazed. I know one poster in particular who posts out of focus shots, shots cropped in way too much and books with the worst images in there. I'd say 30% of his shots are actually nice, but all he gets is kudos.

Very confusing indeed!!

Oct 08, 2008 at 08:46 PM

saaketham
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p.2 #3 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

I always do .. by the way, you look awesome today!

Oct 08, 2008 at 09:00 PM

stanj
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p.2 #4 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

If I write feedback, it's brutally honest. If I don't feel either way, I don't post anything. I no longer post negative feedback to some regulars because then the whole army of other regulars often comes all fed up to defend them, which I think is pointless.

I never look who a post is from first; I look at the substance, phrase a response in my head, and then look at who it's from. If it's from someone who posts the same blah stuff day in day out, I don't respond at all. If it's bad and from a regular, I don't respond as per above. Otherwise, feedback will be given, as long as the picture(s) evoke at least some emotion, good or bad.

Oct 08, 2008 at 10:35 PM

floris
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p.2 #5 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim Victory wrote:
I have been around here for about 5 years and use to post regularly on the N&W forum but I quit about a year ago. I saw too much praise where praise wasn't deserved and when I tried to give constructive criticisms the person would usually be offended or defensive. Because after all he or she had been getting praise from everyone else.

They are some great photographers on the N&W forum as well as many on other forums. I chose to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to someones photographic ability. I will however respond to an example on the Gear Forum that doesn't support an OP's assertation. Most discussions on the Gear forums are quantitative and based in demonstrative examples to promote a premise.

Jim

Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.

I've noticed that too.. I mostly post in the landscape forum now, where many people, including myself, will offer honest, polite, and helpful criticisms.

Another question worth posing I think is: will you respond differently to someone's post if you know them personally? Will you lie if this is the case, or be tempted to reign in any criticisms you may have?

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:16 PM

stanj
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p.2 #6 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

floris wrote:
Another question worth posing I think is: will you respond differently to someone's post if you know them personally? Will you lie if this is the case, or be tempted to reign in any criticisms you may have?

I don't, but then people know me as an opinionated bastard and would not expect anything less

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:28 PM

floris
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p.2 #7 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

stanj wrote:
floris wrote:
Another question worth posing I think is: will you respond differently to someone's post if you know them personally? Will you lie if this is the case, or be tempted to reign in any criticisms you may have?

I don't, but then people know me as an opinionated bastard and would not expect anything less

That's what I like to hear

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:30 PM

Michael Marsh
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p.2 #8 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Brent Ward wrote:
Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim Victory wrote:
I have been around here for about 5 years and use to post regularly on the N&W forum but I quit about a year ago. I saw too much praise where praise wasn't deserved and when I tried to give constructive criticisms the person would usually be offended or defensive. Because after all he or she had been getting praise from everyone else.

They are some great photographers on the N&W forum as well as many on other forums. I chose to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to someones photographic ability. I will however respond to an example on the Gear Forum that doesn't support an OP's assertation. Most discussions on the Gear forums are quantitative and based in demonstrative examples to promote a premise.

Jim

Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.

I too am always amazed. I know one poster in particular who posts out of focus shots, shots cropped in way too much and books with the worst images in there. I'd say 30% of his shots are actually nice, but all he gets is kudos.

Very confusing indeed!!

Had to laugh on this one. I believe I know who you are talking about, and i just don't get it. Doesn't bother me or nothing like that, but the dude must think he is a great photographer. These folks are not doing him any favors.

Mike

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:43 PM

Pixel Perfect
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p.2 #9 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

I will never say a photo is crap, but if I feel it's let down due to poor PP say, I used to like to give tips now and then how to improve the shot. Usually it is ignored when you are the only one not being glowing. I rarely bother now, just don't comment if it's truly crap and look on in bewilderment that such shots seem to still earn high praise.

Oct 09, 2008 at 12:07 AM

bobbytan
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p.2 #10 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

When it comes to photos, I would rather say nothing than speak my mind and get lambasted. And I don't like to be patronizing either. Most of the "post your best images" submissions are really quite poor and lacking the wow factor.

Oct 09, 2008 at 12:36 AM

Dave In La
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p.2 #11 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

this would be a great poll on N&W forum....where the trend to talk NW has really gone downhill. It's mostly attaboys and comedy now.(but not all)

I try to give honest opinion and expect the same, appreciate the same.

Oct 09, 2008 at 12:47 AM

mdbassman
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p.2 #12 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim Victory wrote:
I have been around here for about 5 years and use to post regularly on the N&W forum but I quit about a year ago. I saw too much praise where praise wasn't deserved and when I tried to give constructive criticisms the person would usually be offended or defensive. Because after all he or she had been getting praise from everyone else.

They are some great photographers on the N&W forum as well as many on other forums. I chose to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to someones photographic ability. I will however respond to an example on the Gear Forum that doesn't support an OP's assertation. Most discussions on the Gear forums are quantitative and based in demonstrative examples to promote a premise.

Jim

Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.

bobbytan; When it comes to photos, I would rather say nothing than speak my mind and get lambasted. And I don't like to be patronizing either. Most of the "post your best images" submissions are really quite poor and lacking the wow factor. [quote bobbytan]

I agree with Jim and John mostly but do not disagree either. They are very good photographers and photographic technicians. I post my compositions for feedback from the people on FM I feel have a technical expertise and keen eye for all the fundamentals that create a great image. I truly wish Jim and John, and their peers, WOULD comment on my posts. It helps me and I don't mind them telling me it is crap BUT please let me know, IYHO, why. I don't pretend to be an above average photographer but I do want to learn, even at 61yrs young. I just quit posting images because the ratio of "views to comments" is practically non existent(comments) and I see image posts that have many technical imperfections but get rave reviews and tons of comments. I know that this is subjective but just offering my opinion.

"bobby" I would have very much appreciated ANY comment/criticisim you had to offer and any advice you rendered. If the comments or criticisms you offerred were not to my liking, I doubt very much I would have "lambasted" you at all BUT I DO understand your input. I do see it it often.

Dan

Oct 10, 2008 at 09:51 AM

LCollector
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p.2 #13 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

I just witnessed the "you go boy, awesome job (on ugly pictures)" phenomenon in "N&W" forum that Jim mentioned above...Jeez ! I guess, I have to stay away from the N&W forums...going forward.

Nov 26, 2008 at 12:24 AM

EltonTeng
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p.2 #14 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/661572/0?keyword=attaboy#5897450

Nov 26, 2008 at 07:15 AM

Soenda
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p.2 #15 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

You didn't give me an option to vote for my own approach. I could almost always find something to like about a person's work, even if only the subject. There can be honesty without brutality.

At one time I commented a great deal on others' photos. Eventually I got burned out because the ratio of response to my comments was so low here. Plus I became fed up with some of the rudeness masquerading as critique. But when I did provide feedback, it was on the level.

Nov 26, 2008 at 07:58 AM

Alistair Watson
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p.2 #16 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

If I give feedback, it is always honest and hopefully constructive.

Nov 26, 2008 at 10:18 AM

72chevelle454
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p.2 #17 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

LCollector wrote:
I just witnessed the "you go boy, awesome job (on ugly pictures)" phenomenon in "N&W" forum that Jim mentioned above...Jeez ! I guess, I have to stay away from the N&W forums...going forward.

Sorry... It's been a while since I posted anything and felt obligated to post some ugly photos... Sorry they sucked.

Nothing wrong with sincere comments... I also feel the need to have some fun at the same time.. why not RIGHT

it loosens up the atmosphere and you get to have fun all at once... I skipped through the rules when it comes to posting.. admit it.. how many of us read the entire Rules to post line... I'm sure Fred wouldn't have any problem with some fun on the threads... So.... those of you who think no Joking allowed.... have a good dull life.

C

Nov 26, 2008 at 08:20 PM

Karl Witt
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p.2 #18 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

LCollector wrote:
I just witnessed the "you go boy, awesome job (on ugly pictures)" phenomenon in "N&W" forum that Jim mentioned above...Jeez ! I guess, I have to stay away from the N&W forums...going forward.

Gosh, invite us over LC if this was intended to be a NW bashing post. I don't believe you have posted any of your work to be critiqued, you seem to have the eye of a perfectionist. I think you would build some credability with first introducing us to your work so we may value or not your opinions, that would be fair for all of us.

Those that know me know I give a very helpful constructive critique and am not offended by politely pointing areas of improvement. What does go un-noticed to new lurkers or posters on NW is that we often exchange many PM's to address specific critique, a bit of a more personal way to get a feel of how the OP would like to be helped or not.

You are being unfair in your assumptions on certain things, having participated in over 6000 comments I have a good feel for the people I am responding too, that is important to me as it is to others that truly care about any forum and the ability to help if they so choose to do so. At this point I am confuse on how you think you could be helping, you are unaware of some of the dialog that has previously gone on amongst the members on NW.

Yes there has been some threads that over the edge, yes there are some 'ugly pics' that get posted but the ones that truly are here to help will address those in their own manner, and that might be a postive post and an inquiring PM as to their level of comfort, I have done this and I am sure I not the only one. You easily seem to look past the positive things, so you must dwell on the negative?

Summing it up, human character, the more you care the more you communicate and establish respect, it isn't automatic LC. Slow down and communicate, please don't continue to make assumptions on what you are uninformed about, I would appreciate that as I can tell you the folks on the NW forum have been very very good to me, and I worked to earn their respect and I give it back in return.

Take care and I do hope to see some of your work soon on any forum!

Karl

PS I also cordially invite anyone who has left the NW forum back......I would greatly appreciate that you take another look and be a constructive part of it

Nov 26, 2008 at 10:46 PM

Gregory.Rotter
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p.2 #19 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Hmm, I mostly just skim over what doesn't appeal to me. Sometimes though if I see a shot that had potential, I might comment giving my thoughts on what I might have done differently.

Nov 27, 2008 at 01:54 PM

PetKal
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p.2 #20 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

There is some very good photography displayed on the N-W forum.
Yet, they also seem to have a bit of a buddy-buddy club going on whereby reciprocal praise abounds and good critique/suggestions are often absent even when painfully warrantied.
I suppose the idea is to have lottsa fun and try not to hurt anyone's feelings, which is also OK.

Besides, so many are oversharpening their poor birdie images that I get tired of repeating the same old comment..."Hey, that's a cute looking porcupine."

Nov 28, 2008 at 03:02 AM

dennisgibson
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p.2 #21 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

I'm honest with my opinions. The only time I won't post an opinion is when there's a pic that is oof or soft or there's just nothing that separates it from a quick p&s snap and people have already posted rave reviews for the pic. That seems to happen a lot on the N&W forum

I think people are afraid to hurt others feelings which I can kind of understand, but praising sub-par pics doesn't really help the photographer.

Nov 28, 2008 at 01:53 PM

44lefty
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p.2 #22 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

Criticism is valid only if it spotlights the issues. focus on the issues, rather than the person.

Larry

Nov 28, 2008 at 05:33 PM

MSC
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p.2 #23 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?

paulhodson wrote:
Two answers - I ignore most - as they have not moved me to comment - but if I do comment I am always honest if passing an opinion and I hope helpful where I make suggestions.

Some posts are so good that I will post very brief compliments even though they are not helpful - simply because the image deserves a response.

I can't post a response to every image I view or my 12,000+ post count would have another 1 in front of it

That's my take also, mostly. Critique or comment or both, usually you can learn something, even if it only to see what you don't want to do. But many times something is so good and beyond my ability it is not possible to critique, but I may give some praise...because, well, that is honest too.

Also, if good comments or critique have already been given by the time I see a post, no point in saying the same thing over.

Nov 28, 2008 at 09:49 PM


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